Annabel Renwick, 24, from Eaton, admits she had a very unhealthy past.

She said: “In 2009 I realised my weight had become a very real problem.

“I had very little energy, smoked 20-30 cigarettes per day and binged on takeaways and alcohol more than half of each week.

“The doctor told me I needed to lose weight as my health was suffering and this gave me the motivation I needed to kick-start my journey to health.”

Within three months, Ms Renwick lost two stone with the help of a fitness DVD and a change in diet, and went on to lose another three stone over the following year.

Ms Renwick gave up Taekwondo at the age of 16, but in 2010, with the support of instructor Chris Hemstock, she returned to Saracen Martial Arts to pursue what had once been her passion.

Ms Renwick balances studying at UEA with intensive training three times a week, as well as competing in national competitions.

She recently won two gold medals to go with one she picked up earlier in the year, which meant she qualified for the international games in September.

She said: “Since 2010, I have dreamt of performing Taekwondo at an international level and now I have been given the opportunity to do so. It’s out of this world.”

She is currently appealing for sponsorship to raise £1,500 for her trip to Canada in September. The Association for International Sport for All (TAFISA) World Martial Arts Games will be held at the Richmond Olympic Oval, in Canada, for the first time this September. It will include a martial arts festival followed by the main event, where athletes from around the world will come together to compete and showcase their talent.

To sponsor Ms Renwick, search Send Anna to Canada, on Facebook.

Have you achieved a personal ambition? Email polly.grice@archant.co.uk